Frustrated nurses at fiery St. John’s rally push for better working conditions

CBC – Tensions were high at the CLB Armoury in St. John’s on Wednesday as hundreds of registered nurses rallied for more support and better working conditions.

Yvette Coffey, president of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador, told crowds Wednesday that union data suggests 40 per cent of members say they’ll leave the profession if conditions don’t improve.

Faced with a shortage of professionals and more than 600 registered nursing job vacancies, overtime has been mandated in hospitals and care centres as workers face overcapacity emergency rooms, 24-hour shifts and high rates of workplace injury and violence.

“We are here today because we are in for the fight for public health care, for our patients, and for you and every single person who works in the health-care system in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Coffey said to thunderous applause.